Lebanon Ill. - The McKednree Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) kicked off the 2023-24 year by hosting their first fundraiser of the year in a dodgeball tournament with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation 

13 teams assembled consisting of six combatants per roster and put their athletic abilities to the test in a classic game of dodgeball. Teams were constructed mainly of Bearcat athletes, including the championship game coming down to a best two out of three between men's volleyball players, and the tournament champions men's wrestling.  

Although those participating got to enjoy a few games of dodgeball and a lively evening of friendly competition, this event and future SAAC sponsored events are all about raising proceeds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

For the last 20 years Division II athletics has had an established partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and strives each year to help grant wishes to children in need. McKednree as a Division II institution is no different and the dodgeball tournament is the start of what will be an eventful year for the SAAC. 

The SAAC is represented by student-athletes from each athletic program, who made sure last night's event went smoothly and plan to run many more events throughout the year. These future fundraisers aim for getting the involvement of much of the student body with a goal of generating proceeds for the national sponsor of Make-A-Wish as well as the Special Olympics.  

The dodgeball tournament raised $400, and with the rest of the year to come, monumental events are ahead for the rest of the year. Make sure to keep an eye out for future events that the Bearcat SAAC will be hosting by keeping up with their Instagam page @Mcksaac.